Sierra Leone will on September 16, 2025, usher in a new era in its justice system as the long-awaited Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), 2025, officially comes into effect.
The new legislation replaces a law that had governed criminal proceedings in the country for over six decades, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at speeding up trials, improving fairness, and strengthening accountability within the justice sector.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who has been at the center of coordinating the reform process, described the CPA as “a turning point for Sierra Leone’s justice system.”
He explained that the Act sets strict timelines for cases, including a maximum of 218 days from the filing of a complaint to the delivery of judgment.
Under the new law, police investigations are expected to be concluded within 3–10 days, pre-trial and committal processes within 28 days, and trials within 180 days. Cases that do not progress to trial within 90 days after investigation must be discharged.
“This is revolutionary,” Dr. Sengeh said. “For the first time, citizens can expect their cases to be concluded within one year. The days of individuals languishing in the courts for over a decade are over.”
Beyond timelines, the Act introduces provisions such as deferred sentencing and community service, signaling a shift toward more humane and inclusive justice. These changes, officials say, will particularly benefit young people, women, and vulnerable groups.
The CPA’s implementation comes against the backdrop of broader reforms under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. In recent years, Sierra Leone has repealed the criminal libel law, abolished the death penalty, enacted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, and introduced diversion pathways for children in conflict with the law.
Justice sector actors across the country are now undergoing nationwide training on the new Act to ensure effective enforcement.
The reforms also reinforce Sierra Leone’s growing reputation in global governance and peacebuilding.
The country currently sits on the United Nations Security Council (2024–2025), the African Union Peace and Security Council, and holds the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Sierra Leone is also ranked among the top five most peaceful countries in Africa, according to the 2025 World Peace Index.
